Stop the Illegal trade in protected plants in Knysna

Vendors at the municipal dump are illegally selling Satyrium orchids to the public. Some of these orchids have a vulnerable status (meaning they are on the brink of extinction). The likelihood that these plants will survive replanting is very low, as the environmental factors where they occur in the wild are hard to replicate in domestic gardens.

It is appalling that gardeners can place orders for these plants and pay a pittance to these vendors, who have no idea about protected status or vulnerable plant species. Furthermore, all the parties involved can be fined, because ALL orchids are protected by law.

So, anyone out there who has committed this ‘crime’ – SHAME ON YOU.

Vendor on his way to make delivery, photo taken from vehicle driving in Main road next to cemetery.